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Find the time in your schedule. The best way to start is to map out when you will workout. Whether that is making it to the gym, going to a studio for classes, meeting with a personal trainer, or working out at home. Planning when and where you will workout is key to successfully starting and maintaining a fitness program.

Find your places to workout.​Working out is on trend right now, from large national-chain gyms to small, local boutique gyms, to online workout plans you can do at home. Finding out what works the best for you will help you set and reach your fitness goals. For example, if you are someone who travels often, you may find it hard to commit to a gym.

Determine what your goals are and create a timeline. I like to have my clients create 5 goals, based on the following timeline: 12-month goal6-month goal3-month goal2-month goal1- month goalBegin with your long term goal, or broadest goal. For example: Lose 10 pounds. Now, each goal after that should be something that helps you reach that long term goal. Try to base your smaller goals on lifestyle changes vs weight loss goals. This means working on goals that create healthy habits, like cooking at home more often, drinking more water, getting 8 hours of sleep each night, saying something positive about yourself every time you pass a mirror, etc, instead of goals associated with numbers or measurements.

Hire a Personal Trainer or Nutritionist.Most of us can afford 3-6 sessions with a Personal Trainer or Nutritionist. Let a fitness professional know exactly what you are looking for and ask them to help you get started. Ask them to show you articles and give you information on how you can be using the equipment and resources your gym has to the fullest.

Find a fitness buddy.Find a friend, coworker, or family member that is interested in getting into a fitness routine. Plan workouts together, including group fitness classes, or personal training sessions. You can workout at home, take turns at each other’s houses using a workout video, or get outside and walk. The options are endless. The goal is to use your buddy for motivation and accountability and maybe some fun!

Throw out the junk food.I’m someone who loves chips! I am someone who can sit down and eat an entire bag of chips in one sitting. I am someone who does NOT keep chips in my house. Self control is a great thing to have, and I have it when I meet a friend for lunch and order a side of vegetables instead of french fries. But self control at home, alone, when no one is watching? That is hard! And you are being mean to yourself by keeping unhealthy snacks around. Get rid of the things you know you’ll eat, that you know you shouldn’t eat. Crave salty things like me? Roast veggies and lightly salt with sea salt. More of a sweets fan? Freeze your fruit or make a smoothie.

For more information on getting started with a new fitness program contact Tami at clubfitnessdirector@yahoo.com.